Tandem Paragliding Cape Town (Dow)

Two of the most important things to remember: listen to the instructions of the pilot, and have total confidence in his experience.

Takeoffs are easy and landings are soft as we mostly land on large fields with no obstacles or dangers.

Each flight is different every time – but the exhilarating feeling is always incredible. One thing you won’t feel is the sensation of falling just after takeoff. This is a general misconception of most first-time flyers. Once you are securely strapped into the passenger harness in front of the pilot, the paraglider is laid out on the takeoff site facing into the wind.

With a gentle tug the glider is pulled upward into the wind and begins inflating. Only once fully inflated, and after a quick line check, the pilot will instruct you to begin running forward. In a few seconds both pilot and passenger will be lifted and swept off their feet by the flying paraglider. Once the flight is underway, the pilot will help you get comfortable in your harness. The passenger has the benefit of being in front with a fantastic view of the mountains and earth below.

Weather

Paragliding is weather reliant but we can fly almost 200 days a year, throughout summer and winter. We do not specifically need any wind to get airborne but most suitable conditions range from 10 to 30 km per hour to launch safely. The direction of the wind is also a deciding factor. The wind should be blowing directly up the slope or launching site, with a tolerance of 15 degrees off centre being acceptable. Days where the weather is beautiful and clear (with no clouds and good temperatures) are not necessarily the most suitable conditions for paragliding – but mostly they are.

Safety Regulations

All pilots hold officially recognised Tandem licenses (CAA and SAHPA) and operate on a commercial level on a daily basis. Our Pilots are also internationally qualified. During the winter months here in Cape Town, some of our pilots travel to Europe and fly tandems professionally in Austria, Switzerland, France and the Czech Republic.

All Paragliding equipment complies with AFNOR, DHV & SHV international standards and is regularly checked before and after each flight. Our paragliding harnesses are fitted with impact protection and the pilot’s harness is equipped with a reserve parachute for emergencies. Both pilot and passenger are required by SAHPA (South African Hang-gliding Paragliding Association) to wear helmets. The use of a full flying suit for cooler days and winter flying is an option.

We are able to fly almost anywhere where the wind direction and wind speed fall within our safety requirements.

However, we only use SAHPA recognised flying sites, some of which have been tailored for safe paragliding and hang gliding takeoff. We have placed a camouflage shade net on the takeoff area to prevent erosion and lessen the environmental impact.